2018 Positional Top 10: First Base
Matt Linder
The current group of first basemen is extremely deep with high-end talent; narrowing the list down to ten names was not easy. Some players in this ranking as looking to pick up right where they left off in 2017, while others are hoping for a rebound season. Enjoy!
1. Joey Votto
In a loaded crop of first basemen, Votto gets my top spot. He led the league in on-base percentage (.454) and all first basemen in both WAR (7.5) and OPS (1.032). Additionally, Votto improved his defense last season, compiling 11 Defensive Runs Saved, compared to -14 DRS in 2016. His total package of getting on base, hitting for both power and average and playing strong defense makes him the best first baseman for the 2018 season.
2. Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt earned a trip to his fifth straight All-Star game in 2017 and there are no signs of a slow down. He finished second in both WAR (5.8) and OBP (.404) and third in OPS (.966) among all first basemen. Goldy is also a savvy base stealer, swiping 71 bags over the past three seasons. Finally, his strong defense makes him a complete player. Do not be surprised if Goldschmidt adds an MVP to his resume in 2018.
3. Anthony Rizzo
Although Rizzo’s numbers might have slipped ever-so-slightly last season, he still slashed .273/.392/.507 with 32 home runs in 2017. His defense is consistently strong, as is his base-running. The 28-year old has an excellent track record and I expect another star-level season in 2018.
4. Freddie Freeman
Freeman is the last member of what is essentially a four-way tie atop the first basemen rankings. Despite only playing in 117 games last season due to a broken wrist, he still finished fourth in WAR (4.4) among his positional peers. The 28-year old slashed an impressive .307/.403/.586 with 28 home runs in 2017. A full-season of a healthy Freeman is a nightmare for NL pitchers.
5. Cody Bellinger
Bellinger is the breakout star of the list. In 2017, he earned Rookie of the Year honors and a top-10 MVP finish. The 22-year old led MLB first basemen with 39 home runs and finished sixth in WAR (4.0). Bellinger is a stellar defensive first basemen and his athleticism allows him to play left field when needed.
6. Jose Abreu
Coming off a down year in the power department in 2016, Abreu regained his form last season. The White Sox’s slugger led the AL in total bases (343) while hitting .304/.354/.552. Thanks to this elite production, Abreu ranked third at his position in WAR (4.7) last year. He is the leader of a young, up-and-coming White Sox team, and I anticipate another strong season in 2018.
7. Edwin Encarnacion
Since I am not putting together a top 10 ranking for DHs, Encarnacion slots in at first base. He is one of the most consistent hitters in the league. The 35-year old has averaged 38.5 home runs over the past six seasons. He couples that elite power with very good plate discipline… a lethal combination for opposing pitchers. His bat more than makes up for the lack of value in the field and on the bases.
8. Eric Hosmer
As one of the biggest names in the free agent class this off-season, Hosmer signed an eight year, $144M deal with the Padres. He does not possess prototypical first baseman power, only hitting 25 home runs in each of the past two seasons. However, the lack of elite home run pop is balanced by strong on base (.385 OBP last season) and contact skills. Additionally, Hosmer plays superb defense. He ranked seventh among first basemen with a 7.0 WAR in 2017. I expect his first year in San Diego to pick up right where he left off with the Royals.
9. Miguel Cabrera
Putting Cabrera in the top 10 was the decision I struggled with most. He is an all-time great, but his production dropped off considerably last season. Miggy only played in 130 games and was likely banged up in many of those games. Being 34 years old, last season may have been a sign of more struggles, but I am betting on a rebound season. Cabrera is only one year removed from hitting .316/.393/.563 with 38 home runs in 158 games. I may turn out to be wrong, but I am not going to bet against the future Hall-of-Famer.
10. Brandon Belt
Belt squeaks into the top 10 list after a down season in 2017. I am betting that the Giants’ first baseman can regain his 2016 production, when he slashed .275/.394/.474 and ranked fifth among his positional peers with a 4.0 WAR. Belt is a strong defender, but if he cannot rebound offensively, putting him in this ranking will look quite stupid.
Also Considered:
Carlos Santana - Phillies
Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
Justin Bour - Marlins
Yuli Gurriel - Astros
Justin Smoak – Blue Jays
Joe Mauer - Twins
**All WAR stats come from Baseball Reference
Please check back in tomorrow for my top 10 second basemen.
If you have any questions, comments or criticisms feel free to reach out to me at mattlinder2@gmail.com
The current group of first basemen is extremely deep with high-end talent; narrowing the list down to ten names was not easy. Some players in this ranking as looking to pick up right where they left off in 2017, while others are hoping for a rebound season. Enjoy!
 |
| Paul Bereswill - Getty Images |
1. Joey Votto
In a loaded crop of first basemen, Votto gets my top spot. He led the league in on-base percentage (.454) and all first basemen in both WAR (7.5) and OPS (1.032). Additionally, Votto improved his defense last season, compiling 11 Defensive Runs Saved, compared to -14 DRS in 2016. His total package of getting on base, hitting for both power and average and playing strong defense makes him the best first baseman for the 2018 season.
 |
| Rick Scuteri - AP |
2. Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt earned a trip to his fifth straight All-Star game in 2017 and there are no signs of a slow down. He finished second in both WAR (5.8) and OBP (.404) and third in OPS (.966) among all first basemen. Goldy is also a savvy base stealer, swiping 71 bags over the past three seasons. Finally, his strong defense makes him a complete player. Do not be surprised if Goldschmidt adds an MVP to his resume in 2018.
 |
| Brian Kersey - Getty Images |
3. Anthony Rizzo
Although Rizzo’s numbers might have slipped ever-so-slightly last season, he still slashed .273/.392/.507 with 32 home runs in 2017. His defense is consistently strong, as is his base-running. The 28-year old has an excellent track record and I expect another star-level season in 2018.
 |
| Curtis Compton - AJC |
4. Freddie Freeman
Freeman is the last member of what is essentially a four-way tie atop the first basemen rankings. Despite only playing in 117 games last season due to a broken wrist, he still finished fourth in WAR (4.4) among his positional peers. The 28-year old slashed an impressive .307/.403/.586 with 28 home runs in 2017. A full-season of a healthy Freeman is a nightmare for NL pitchers.
 |
| Denis Poroy - Getty Images |
5. Cody Bellinger
Bellinger is the breakout star of the list. In 2017, he earned Rookie of the Year honors and a top-10 MVP finish. The 22-year old led MLB first basemen with 39 home runs and finished sixth in WAR (4.0). Bellinger is a stellar defensive first basemen and his athleticism allows him to play left field when needed.
 |
| Jon Durr - Getty Images |
6. Jose Abreu
Coming off a down year in the power department in 2016, Abreu regained his form last season. The White Sox’s slugger led the AL in total bases (343) while hitting .304/.354/.552. Thanks to this elite production, Abreu ranked third at his position in WAR (4.7) last year. He is the leader of a young, up-and-coming White Sox team, and I anticipate another strong season in 2018.
 |
| Jason Miller - Getty Images |
7. Edwin Encarnacion
Since I am not putting together a top 10 ranking for DHs, Encarnacion slots in at first base. He is one of the most consistent hitters in the league. The 35-year old has averaged 38.5 home runs over the past six seasons. He couples that elite power with very good plate discipline… a lethal combination for opposing pitchers. His bat more than makes up for the lack of value in the field and on the bases.
 |
| K.C. Alfred - San Diego Union-Tribune |
8. Eric Hosmer
As one of the biggest names in the free agent class this off-season, Hosmer signed an eight year, $144M deal with the Padres. He does not possess prototypical first baseman power, only hitting 25 home runs in each of the past two seasons. However, the lack of elite home run pop is balanced by strong on base (.385 OBP last season) and contact skills. Additionally, Hosmer plays superb defense. He ranked seventh among first basemen with a 7.0 WAR in 2017. I expect his first year in San Diego to pick up right where he left off with the Royals.
 |
| Jonathan Daniel - Getty Images |
9. Miguel Cabrera
Putting Cabrera in the top 10 was the decision I struggled with most. He is an all-time great, but his production dropped off considerably last season. Miggy only played in 130 games and was likely banged up in many of those games. Being 34 years old, last season may have been a sign of more struggles, but I am betting on a rebound season. Cabrera is only one year removed from hitting .316/.393/.563 with 38 home runs in 158 games. I may turn out to be wrong, but I am not going to bet against the future Hall-of-Famer.
 |
| H. Darr Beiser - USA TODAY Sports |
10. Brandon Belt
Belt squeaks into the top 10 list after a down season in 2017. I am betting that the Giants’ first baseman can regain his 2016 production, when he slashed .275/.394/.474 and ranked fifth among his positional peers with a 4.0 WAR. Belt is a strong defender, but if he cannot rebound offensively, putting him in this ranking will look quite stupid.
Also Considered:
Carlos Santana - Phillies
Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
Justin Bour - Marlins
Yuli Gurriel - Astros
Justin Smoak – Blue Jays
Joe Mauer - Twins
**All WAR stats come from Baseball Reference
Please check back in tomorrow for my top 10 second basemen.
If you have any questions, comments or criticisms feel free to reach out to me at mattlinder2@gmail.com
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